Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to the capital on Monday morning after completing his visit to South Africa for the G20 summit.
During his official visit to Johannesburg from November 22-23, Prime Minister Modi attended several summits and interacted with several world leaders.
Despite a US boycott, leaders approved a G20 declaration that signals renewed alignment on development, climate goals and reforms in a multipolar world. Participating countries approved a 122-point document focused on global justice, multilateral restructuring and sustainable development.
Among his key bilateral meetings was a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni, where the two sides adopted a joint India-Italy initiative to combat the financing of terrorism, reaffirming their joint commitment to combating terrorism.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared details of the meeting at X that the two leaders discussed enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, technology, artificial intelligence, defense and security, space, research, innovation and culture.
He added that the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress on the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 and noted that Prime Minister Meloni strongly supports the AI Summit to be hosted by India in 2026.
PM Modi also addressed the third session of the G20 summit, which focused on ensuring a fair and just future for all.
In a post on X, he said the discussions focused on critical sectors such as critical minerals and artificial intelligence, highlighting India’s belief in supporting technology that is “human-centric, global and open source” rather than finance-driven or exclusive.
He highlighted India’s approach to AI, which is built on equitable access, population-level skills and responsible engagement.
He said India’s AI mission aims to ensure that the benefits of AI reach all fields and languages and called for a global pact to prevent misuse of AI, including deep fakes, crime and terrorism.
Prime Minister Modi said India is gearing up to host a summit on the impact of artificial intelligence in February 2026 with the theme ‘Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya’ – prosperity and happiness for all.
He emphasized the need to move from thinking about “jobs for today” to building “capabilities for tomorrow” and expressed hope that the G20 will develop a global framework for talent mobility in the coming years to foster innovation and benefit youth around the world.
